On January 7, 2025, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck the Tibet-Nepal border region, causing significant destruction and loss of life. The epicenter was located in Tibet's Tingri County, approximately 400 kilometers southwest of Lhasa and near the Nepalese border. This seismic event resulted in at least 126 fatalities and 188 injuries in Tibet, with over 1,000 homes damaged or destroyed.
In Nepal, the earthquake was strongly felt, particularly in the capital city of Kathmandu and surrounding areas. Residents were awakened by the tremors, prompting many to evacuate their homes in fear of potential aftershocks. Despite the intensity of the quake, initial reports from Nepal's National Emergency Operation Center indicated no immediate casualties or significant structural damage.
The quake's impact extended beyond Nepal and Tibet, with tremors felt in parts of India, including Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal. In these regions, residents reported shaking buildings and temporary power outages, but no major damage or injuries were reported.
Rescue and relief operations are underway in the affected areas. In Tibet, more than 3,000 rescuers have been deployed to search for survivors and provide aid to those affected. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for comprehensive rescue efforts and the allocation of 100 million yuan for disaster relief.
In Nepal, authorities are conducting assessments to determine the extent of the damage and to ensure the safety of residents. The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity, given its location along the active collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
This event has also led to the closure of the Mount Qomolangma (Everest) Scenic Area on the Chinese side, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of visitors and residents.
As aftershocks continue to be felt in the region, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and to follow safety protocols. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
This earthquake is one of the most powerful to hit the region in recent years, highlighting the ongoing risk of seismic activity in the Himalayas. It underscores the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future.
For real-time updates and live earthquake data in Nepal, residents and interested parties are encouraged to consult the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center's official website and other reliable sources.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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